Replacing shock absorbers in a washing machine with your own hands

Content:

Shock absorber device
We remove and check shock absorbers
Replacing shock absorbers
Wear prevention

Shock absorbers for washing machines are an important part needed to soften the vibration of the drum during washing. They are placed under the drum and, like shock absorbers in a car, dampen vibration.

Like other parts, shock absorbers can wear out over time, perform their functions worse, as a result of which there will be strong vibration and a characteristic knock from the drum dangling and hitting the walls of the washing machine. If this part is not replaced in time, the hatch cuff, springs and bearings will wear out faster, and soon the car will need to be repaired.

Shock absorber device

washing machine shock absorbers
There are two types of amorts for washing machines:

The classic type shock absorber is installed under the drum in previous generation washing machines. This is the cylinder that houses the piston and the spring that returns it.
Dampers are a more modern option. They do not have return springs; instead, a drum is suspended on the springs.

Most often, liners or gaskets give in to wear, which are designed to give the parts elasticity. The cylinder itself often also wears out - in this case, it cannot be repaired.

If the cylinder is not damaged, but only began to perform its function worse, then in order to repair it, it will be enough to replace the gasket and liners. For dampers, repair kits and individual spare parts are not sold, therefore, their repair is not possible. There is only one way out - to replace the shock absorber entirely. It's easy to do it yourself.

More complex breakdowns also happen: for example, the shock absorber bent or even broke into parts. Because of this, the drum will constantly beat against the walls of the washing machine, because of which the belt will fly off the engine, which will require more serious repairs than a simple element replacement.

We remove and check shock absorbers

Before repairing or replacing non-working shock absorbers, you must first make sure whether the problem is really in them, because the knocking in the drum may indicate another reason. To do this, you need to remove them from the washing machine. Sometimes you can do this from the bottom of the machine by placing it on its side. But in many models there is a more complex device: it may be necessary to remove the back or front wall. The rear wall of the machine can be removed without much effort, just unscrew the bolts. But the front wall is more difficult to remove, you will have to perform several operations.

removing the shock absorber of the washing machine

After unscrewing the bolts located at the back of the machine, slide the top cover of the machine back and remove.
Remove the detergent drawer and remove the panel above the drain filter.
Remove the control panel by unscrewing the mounting bolts.
Remove the cuff. To do this, pry on the clamp with a screwdriver, where it connects to the cuff, and remove it, and then remove the cuff.
Now you can unscrew the bolts securing the front wall of the machine.
Remove the wall from the hook, but the wires in the door lock may get in the way. To fix this problem, you can either unscrew the entire lock or gently pull out the wires.

The dampers are now accessible. Remove the bottom bolt that connects the damper to the body and try to compress and then open the damper with your hands. If it works, the move will be tight. And if it is possible to squeeze and return it back without effort, then the parts need replacement or repair.

Replacing shock absorbers

To replace the amorts with your own hands, you must follow the steps below.

As in the previous point, remove the front or rear wall to provide access to the required part.
Unscrew the bottom bolt that secures the part to the body or remove the plastic pin.
Disconnect the shock absorber from the drum in the same way.
Now you can remove the spare part and replace it by repeating all the steps described in the reverse order.

replacing the shock absorber in the washing machine

Although the device of many washing machines is similar, shock absorbers that are designed for one model may not be suitable for repairing another. Therefore, for replacement, it is safer to purchase articles that are used by the manufacturer of your particular washing machine model. And you can pick up cheaper non-original options, but first consult with knowledgeable people.

Wear prevention

In order for the shock absorbers of your washing machine to serve for a long time without needing repair, follow a few simple rules:

place the machine only on a level, horizontal, rigid surface,
do not load more items into the drum than the recommended weight,
make sure that no foreign objects fall into the drum,
treat your washing machine with care, listen to extraneous noises in the drum, respond to all possible malfunctions in time, carry out the necessary repairs.

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